Christmas 2008

This year was a great Christmas. Being both nurses Michael and I had to work some of the holiday. I had to work Christmas eve from 6am-2pm and Michael had to work all of day Christmas. So we felt the best time for Esther to open present would be Christmas eve after I got off from work. You can look on Esther's blog to see what she got. Michael got from the Kirbys, books from his childhood mostly Beverly Cleary books. He was so excited. I am sure he will have fun reading them again. From me Michael got a remote control helicopter and new underwear. It isn't Christmas unless someone gets underwear. I got from the Kirbys an awesome activity binder with all kinds of fun learning activities for Esther when she gets older. I can't wait to use it and help Esther learn. Michael gave me new pajamas and a new robe, which I have been wanting for a long time. Michael and I also got new shoes from our friends Jason and Amanda, who have been staying with us for the last couple of weeks. Michael's parents gave us our Christmas gift in November, a trip to Costco for some much needed food storage. Later that night was the annual Russon family Christmas party. The food was great and so was the company. We always do a sibling gift exchange at the party. Jill and her husband Michael had me and Michael. Michael got "The Office board game and I got a magnadoodle, I think that is what it is called. My parents have one and I am always steeling it from the grand kids to play with. Thanks you one and all for the wonderful gifts, we have and will enjoy them all. Christmas day Esther and I went to the hospital to have lunch with Michael and my mom, who was also working. After lunch we came home and both took a nap. Then we spent the rest of the day at my parents house. Christmas has come and gone and memories created. Christmas is definitely different when you have children. I wonder what traditions we will instill over the next several years as out little family continues to grow. Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year.

Thanksgiving

I thought since Thanksgiving was last week maybe I should blog something about it. I have been looking forward to Thanksgiving since the first of November. I have been craving a thanksgiving dinner for a while now. I don't know if it is the pregnancy or the fact that I love pumpkin pie and Michael's mom’s leftover thanksgiving dinner casserole. Anyway, Michael's parents came to our house this year. They arrived Monday night the 24th. We were so glad that they could come and spend the whole week with us. Tuesday I had to work so Michael's mom got Esther all to herself while Michael and his Dad spent the day doing things in the bathroom, it is getting closer to being done. Wednesday we spent the early afternoon at Costco. This year for Christmas and birthdays Michael and I asked for food storage. Since Michael's parents were here we got Christmas a little early. There is nothing like seeing your pantry full of good food for the next year. That afternoon I had my second Dr.'s appointment. Everything is going well. We heard peanuts heart beat and a small kick. I am hoping that we will find out what we are having on my birthday next month. Thanksgiving Day was a busy day. Well at least for Michael and his Mom. They did most of the cooking. I wish I could have helped more but someone needed to attend to Esther and we all know that Michael is the better cook. All I can say is yum. By the time dinner was ready Esther was fast asleep. I think that this will be the last Thanksgiving we have with the children asleep during the meal, so I enjoyed it. Michael had to work the next day and his mom was not feeling well so they left early in the morning. Here it was 9am and just Esther and me. The house was quiet and lonely. It had been a busy week so we spent the day taking naps and watching "What Not to Wear" on TV. Another Thanksgiving come and gone. We love and miss you guys and hope all is well.